CF has been proved to be a useful tool for the internal
assessment of life cycle GHG emissions. Moreover, it led to the
identification of opportunities to reduce these emissions. In
this sense, CF arises as a potential support for decision making
in companies, even though it provides a limited view of the
environmental performance of a product since global warming
is the only impact category assessed. Despite this relevant
drawback, the greatest strength of CF lies in the use of a lifecycle
approach and in its popularity. Therefore, it is possible to
think of product policies that promote the implementation of
CF schemes. These policies should not be understood as
definitive but as a provisional vehicle to a more comprehensive
policy framework for the environmental assessment of
products based on their life cycle.
In the short term, companies are expected to incorporate
CF schemes for their products as a strategic measure for both
marketing and decision making. This practice will be
performed by following a well-defined method which guarantees
traceability, comparability and a proper communication.
PAS 2050 seems to be ahead in this field. In the long run,
policy makers should pursue the commitment of companies
to undertake CF schemes as facilitative instruments within
their activity. Undoubtedly, the path is open for CF.